Local News: January 16, 2024

- Elmira to Consider Renaming Bridge -

According to the Elmira Star Gazette, on Tuesday, the Elmira City Council will consider a proposal to rename the city's Madison Avenue Bridge after two pillars of Elmira's Black Community, A'Don Allen and Bessie Berry.

Allen was the first Black resident to serve on the Chemung Board of Supervisors and was elected nine times to Elmira’s City Council.

Berry was a social worker and probation officer, and the first Black Elmiran to serve on the Elmira Board of Education. She was active in the Frederick Douglas Memorial AME Zion Church and led the local chapter of the NAACP.

Former mayor and historian Jim Hare will introduce the measure and called both Allen and Berry, “bridge-builders.”

- Ithaca's Mayor Outlines Priorities -

Ithaca's new mayor Robert Cantalmo outlined priorities for his first term in an interview with the Ithaca Journal.

He said the new faces on Common Council, the existing alderpersons, and the new City Manager position create opportunities for a fresh approach to the legislative work before the city.

He identified transportation, the unhoused encampment pilot program, and law enforcement staffing as three key priorities.

As the city looks at adopting a new legislative process, Cantelmo says he's hoping to address community needs with timely policy.